2014 was a great year for Glenn Astro, but appearances on DJ Kicks (Brandt Brauer Frick) and Brownswood among other labels, numerous remixes, and a string of beautifully-crafted EPs already look set to be eclipsed in 2015. The Essen-based producers collaboration EP with Max Graef will launch their new label Money $ex Records in January, while his debut LP is to follow on Tartelet Records in the Spring
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In between these comes the Hologram EP, two years after his first release on WotNot. As both artist and label have forayed further into dance styles, they have maintained the spirit of soulful eclecticism. The hip hop/beats roots this is based in are apparent on this release in the warm, jazzy Disco Tempo Cliche Intro and Good Bye Song (Spirit Dance).
Love Is Gone pairs Astro's signature bumpy house swing with a distinctive synth hook and a subtle use of vocals. Henry Wu delivers a delightful, jazz-tinged synth-funk flip, offering a tantalising glimpse of what's to come from the 22a artist later this year.
User's Guide To is the ultimate tutorial in dusty house, with rolling layers of percussion over smooth synth chords, while regular Astro collaborator IMYRMIND injects his signature swagger and playful edge into Gemini.
All-in-all a great record to kick off a year that will see new records from K15, Kab Driver, Alphabets Heaven, and some new faces on WotNot.
DJ Support:
Gilles Peterson, Alex Nut, Will Saul, Dam Swindle, Leon Vynehall, Bicep, Laurent Garnier, Lefto, Nemone, Shadow Child, Jimpster, and chris duckenfield.